Career information how to get a job in loss prevention

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

On the surface, it may seem easy to get a job as a Loss Prevention Officer. However, the way todays job market is, the degree of difficulty with almost any open position is at an all time high. Employers often look at an applicants educational background. In this case, experience weighs heavier in the process of securing a position as a Loss Prevention Officer. If you have experience, as a security guard, prior military, or experience in retail management you may very well be qualified for the position, but you still need to know the following information to get the job.

For starters, the applicant would need to know the difference between racial profiling and observational profiling. The face of a shoplifter does not include a specific imprint of race, age or gender. Needless to say, its best to have some experience with observational profiling. Under the precepts of this method, you will make a determination based on actions, not race. For example, if you notice someone pushing a stroller without a baby, you may want to keep the camera on this type of individual to see if they are stuffing bags in or under the stroller. If you notice the customer trembling, biting their fingernails, excess sweating, and constant looking from side to side, it is probably a good indication that a potential crime may be in the works.

Another skill set that you would need is the ability to use devices that are necessary in the world of Loss Prevention. A two-way radio is needed to alert other security personal to a crime in process. Familiarity with radio terminology is a definite plus. Additionally, in todays high tech world of Loss Prevention you should be able to navigate the Internet, as well as know basic computer applications. You would need to know how to go back on the drive that contains stored information, and possibly reproduce a copy of the disk for the store manager, or police department.

The third most important quality that is needed is the ability to write clear and concise sentences that may be needed in a court of law. Incident reports, witness statements and activity logs should be maintained daily, and to the best of your knowledge, they should contain accurate information. Inaccurate information will open the door to potential lawsuits, and end your career as a Loss Prevention officer. In addition, Auditors often make announced and unannounced spot checks to insure the integrity of the business, and to make sure that each area of responsibility is compliant in regards to the store policy, as well as state and federal standards.

Being a Loss prevention officer can either be a very exciting job, or a very tedious one. On a whole, it comes with more upside when you look at the big picture. Stores offer employees significant discounts for full time workers, which includes a very generous discount. With the boom in retail, the prospect for finding a position as Loss Prevention officer is good. These tips should help you in your quest to secure a position as a Loss Prevention officer.